THE MARKETORS COAT OF ARMS
The Armorial Bearings of the Worshipful Company of Marketors
Knights taking part in medieval tournaments were traditionally recognised by the arms they bore on their shields and the crests they wore on their helmets. The heralds, who proclaimed and organised these tournaments, acquired an expert knowledge of the ceremonial and became responsible for recording the design of arms, and then later for controlling their use.
Arms were originally only held by individuals, but by 1439 William Bruges, the Garter King of Arms, was obviously happy to grant arms to the Drapers’ Company. Grants of arms have been made continuously since then to livery companies, merchant companies, civic bodies, charities, and hospitals. More recently, local authorities, schools, universities, professional institutions, banks, shipping, insurance and other commercial companies have also all been given the corporate right to bear arms.
The Coat of Arms
Armorial Shield in Guildhall
All Livery Companies are permitted to hang their Shields in Guildhall. The Shield of the Marketors is on the right hand side when facing the platform, fourth from the end on the second row.
By following the links, you can learn more about the College of Arms in particular, or heraldry in general on Wikipedia.
The Coat of Arms
Roll your mouse over the Coat of Arms to see a description of its component parts.
Helm, Mantling & Crest
The Crest, which rests upon the Helm with Mantling, depicts the top of a Tower, Argent (i.e. silver), Masoned Gules (i.e. red). The alternative roses of red and white running around the Tower signify that the Company is of the City of London. From the battlements of the Tower issues a hand, vested in Gules, red, as a suitable matching colour, and the hand holding a Cornucopia, a symbol of prosperity and plenty.
The Motto
The Motto Scroll – “Mercatura Adiuvat Omnes” – freely translated means – “Marketing Benefits Everyone”.
The Shield of Arms
The Shield of Arms is a 16th Century sailing vessel, gold upon azure blue in the lower part of the Shield and in the chief or upper part, gold. Above the ship is a representation of the great beam of London, an ideal symbol for suggesting Marketing and mercantile activities.
Sinister Supporter
This is the left supporter as seen by the person holding the coat of arms. Sea dragons have been chosen as Supporters because London is a port and dragons are particularly associated with the City, having been adopted in Tudor times as supporters of the City’s own Shield of Arms. Five golden roundels or bezants, each representing a coin to depict mercantile activities, have been added to each wing in the form of a cross; this is another hint of the City, which features the Cross of St George in its Arms.
Dexter Supporter
This is the right supporter as seen by the person holding the coat of arms. Sea dragons have been chosen as Supporters because London is a port and dragons are particularly associated with the City, having been adopted in Tudor times as supporters of the City’s own Shield of Arms. Five golden roundels or bezants, each representing a coin to depict mercantile activities, have been added to each wing in the form of a cross; this is another hint of the City, which features the Cross of St George in its Arms.
